FAQs About Getting Married
If you have questions about getting married, we may have the answer for you here. If not, feel free to ask!
What do we need to do to get started?
Weddings
Contact me for a no-obligation meeting to see if I’m the right celebrant for you. If you do not live locally then I’m more than happy to chat with you over the phone.
Both parties to the marriage will need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage Form and submit it to me. This notice can be lodged up to 18 months before a marriage date but no later than one month before that date.
Prior to the wedding I will need to sight original copies of the following documents from both parties:
Birth Certificate/passport if you were born in Australia or passport from you home country if you are a citizen of a country other than Australia
Photo identification such as a driver’s license
Proof of termination of any previous marriages in the form of either a Decree Absolute or a Death Certificate of a former spouse.
Work with me to plan a fabulous ceremony.
Prior to the wedding you will also need to sign a declaration stating that you are over the age of 18 years and that there is, to your knowledge, no reason that you cannot legally marry.
Commitment Ceremonies, Renewal of Vows and Naming Ceremonies
As there are no legal requirements here all you need do is contact me to arrange an obligation-free meeting to see if I’m the right celebrant for you and, if so, we can get planning for your celebration right away.
What is included in your fees?
I want to make your day as fun and stress free as possible. Here’s what’s included in my wedding packages.
- Initial no-obligation meeting and free quote
- Provide a personal, professional and friendly service
- Unlimited contact by phone, email and face to face
- Provide information about marriage education and counselling
- Creating a ceremony uniquely “your own” using your input and my resources
- Perform a wedding rehearsal involving all intended wedding party participants
- Performing the ceremony
- Inclusion of rituals, symbols and traditions i.e. sand ceremonies, candle ceremonies (if requested)
- Completion and lodgement of all required documents with the Registrar of Births, Deaths And Marriages in required time period
- Complimentary presentation folder with your commemorative Marriage Certificate and a copy of your ceremony.
- Use of a PA system if required
- Use of table, tablecloth and feather pen (if requested) for signing of marriage certificates.
Do we have to memorise our vows?
No! Almost nobody does. If you just relax and enjoy the ceremony, without having to worry about what you have to say, I will take care of everything. You can repeat them after me. Easy!
Can we write our own vows?
Of course! And if you need a little help, getting them right, just ask. That’s what you have me for!
Do we have to write our own vows?
No! I can provide you with plenty of options and assist you in writing the perfect ceremony.
How long will the ceremony go for?
From the time we first see a bridesmaid on her way down the aisle, until the time the happy Mr & Mrs are making their exit down the aisle, most ceremonies will take around 30 minutes. Of course, your ceremony will be unique and can be as long or short as it needs to be!
What music do I choose?
Pick something you love – your favourite song is always a good choice. Something that will relax you, and make you smile. That’s your best choice.
Do we really need a back-up plan?
Yes! You really do. We all hope that your day is shiny and bright blue – but you never know…. It is worth spending a little extra, or making arrangements with your reception venue, for just in case. Your guests will not thank you for making them stand in the rain, unprotected. And if it’s hot we need shade! And water – for everyone. It costs very, very little to fill a couple eskies with water bottles – and there is always a couple of friends willing to help – but this small gesture will make all the difference to your guests’ comfort on the Big Day.
We aren’t really very traditional….
You don’t have to have a formal, traditional ceremony, at all. You can be light and friendly and casual, or funny, or elegant and simple – or anything you like. No need to pretend you are anything that you aren’t…..
Do we really need a rehearsal?
I try to encourage all couples to have a rehearsal, whether it be at the venue or elsewhere prior to the wedding. But if it’s not possible, or you don’t have time, don’t worry! We will work and plan together to ensure that your ceremony runs smoothly. And of course, I will be there in plenty of time to sort everything – and everyone – out, before the ceremony.
Can you bring a signing table & chair?
Yes. I can, but if you are having decorators do set-ups, ask them to provide it as part of a package.
It’s only a little wedding…..
Big or small, it’s your wedding day, so let’s make it as beautiful as we possibly can. Some of the most wonderful weddings I have 12 people or less.